Appreciating Island Life

So, I drove my truck of the road the other day. Started to fish tail on the ice, hit dry pavement then flew off a significant embankment, felt like it was going to roll, the whole bit. As I'm flying through the air (at least it felt like I was in the air) all I could think about was; I'm going to roll this, but at least I know that Islesboro EMT's will be dragging my but out of it. I was actually pretty calm about the whole thing (diesel was not). As soon as I stopped someone was right there checking on me, by the time I self extricated five people had pulled off the side of the road to help, and they got my truck out, no questions asked. That is why I love living in a small community, you never feel completely alone.

On My Way!

I just started the EMT class last Friday. I love the instructor, she's a fellow morgan lover, and show's with Judy Nason. It's going to be a really intense class , but I like that. Be careful if you come anywhere near me I might just take your blood pressure!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year one and all. I can't believe it's January already, but I'm glad to see 2008 go. What a crazy year, it was both exciting and heartbreaking. Gas prices and the state of the economy made it challenging, the election of Barack Obama made it seem worth going on into 2009. I'm really excited about what the next year might bring, and also a little apprehensive. This winter will be difficult, we must all watch out for one another and also not be afraid to ask for help. Anyway here's to a bright new begining!!! Take care, and take care of each other, with love, Marie

Finally a picture of me in fire mode. I know, I'm totally sexy +)

First ambulance run!

So before I can be an EMT I had to learn to be an ambulance driver. I first took an AVOC (ambulatory vehicle operations course) class which included eight hours of class time plus a lab where we had to drive an obstacle course. Then I had to drive around the island for ten hours with a Field Training Officer (FTO) and back down lots of driveways. Then I was supposed to do at least two probationary runs on the mainland, actually driving to the hospital with lights and sirens. Fred, my chief, said after my tens hours that I could skip the probationary runs because both of my FTO's rated me as excellent! So yesterday we got and call and I was the only driver to show up. Woohoo, it was fun. You gotta love going down route one in Camden and watching all the traffic move over for you, such power! Plus playing with buttons and making lots of noise is like so much fun! I just glad I go the first run over with, so maybe I'll get a little less nervous every time the pager goes off.

This is Diesel and his sister Strudel.